Clos de l’oratoire des papes red 2015

Rolled pebbles, Sand (Safres), Sandstones, Limestone fragments

Complete de-stemming, partial crushing depending on the grape, parcels and level of ripeness. A small amount of sulfite enables the fermentation to kickstart quickly in less than 24 hours. It takes place slowly and gradually at temperatures of 15 to 18°C during the first few days. Fermentation then continues slowly at 22 to 24°C in order to ensure optimum extraction of the varietal’s aromas and tannins. Post-fermentation maceration took place at between 26 and 28°C in 2015 so as to benefit from yeast autolysis.

12 months in truncated French oak vats followed by 8 months in concrete tanks.

Like most vintages of this cuvée, the 2015 will benefit from 3 or 4 more years rest in the cellars before being opened although those who don’t have the patience will still be able to enjoy it in its youth. It is currently displaying a deep red hue with ruby glimmers. The nose is dominated by black fruits, blackcurrant, crushed strawberries and black cherry intertwined with spice, juniper berry and cocoa beans which give the wine its distinctive aromatic profile. The palate is powerful and incredibly elegant with well structured yet silky smooth tannins. It offers the same notes of black fruits and cocoa as the nose although complemented here by dried fruits and toasty notes. A powerful wine with an immensely velvety mouthfeel.

The Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red 2015 pairs beautifully with a lamb shank accompanied by a baked potatoes infused with olive oil and thyme.

Between 15 and 16°C. This wine will flourish as soon as the bottle is opened and will continue to evolve slowly in the glass to reveal the finest of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroirs.

Since 2019 this wine has been showing its true potential and will continue to gain in complexity through until 2025-2026 .